PINE BLUFF, Ark., April 23, 2012 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — The community of Sulphur Springs, County Judge Mike Holcomb, the Jefferson County Mutual Aid Association (JCMAA), and the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will hold a fire safety day and a ribbon cutting on May 5, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Office of Jefferson County Judge was awarded $45,000 from the Facilities for Underdeveloped Neighborhoods (FUN Park) Grant Program administered by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism and the Outdoor Recreation Grants Program. Designated to assist rural areas in developing basic neighborhood outdoor recreation facilities, the funding is made available by two sources, the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) and the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Grant & Trust Fund (NCRGTF). The ribbon cutting signifies the beginning of the construction of an accessible pavilion, basketball court, and playground. The ceremony will start the event at 10 a.m.

Judge Holcomb’s Office was also awarded a $292,000 grant from FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security’s Fire Prevention & Safety Grant Program. Judge Holcomb partnered with the volunteer fire departments of the JCMAA and OEM to increase public awareness of fire safety through a smoke alarm campaign. The project consists of door-to-door distribution of smoke alarms as well as home safety inspections conducted by the volunteer fire fighters. $25,000 has gone directly to the departments to compensate their volunteers for their time and mileage expenses.

Fire Extinguisher Sales & Services will have “live fire” fire extinguisher safety demonstrations. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors will be given to attendees (as long as supplies last).

The event is sponsored by Jefferson County Judge Mike Holcomb, the Jefferson County Mutual Aid Association, and the Jefferson County Office of Emergency Management.

Food and refreshments will be provided.

Sulphur Springs Park is located on Sulphur Springs Road (Highway 54) across the street from the Watson Chapel Volunteer Fire Department Station 1.